Have you ever counted sheep to try and fall asleep? I have…but I can’t say that it was very effective in producing results! While this age old trick hasn’t helped me sleep, I must say that I have found great solace and rest this year in reflecting upon God as our Good Shepherd.
As Jesus states in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
In moments of worry, stress, pain, anxiety, or uncertainty (which can often tend to strike at night!), it is a source of comfort and peace to acknowledge that God is my Shepherd. For what does a shepherd do? He protects and fights for his sheep, cares and provides for his sheep’s needs, and guides the sheep where they need to go.
Think of how David describes his life as a shepherd in 1 Samuel 17:34-35, “But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.'” If this is how an earthly shepherd fights for his sheep, how much more does our Heavenly Shepherd fight for us?
It’s no wonder then, with all of these thoughts of shepherding on my mind, that when December rolled around, I looked at familiar passages a bit differently. Think of Luke 2:8-21, the well-beloved passage that even blanket-toting Linus recites this time of year. When I read about the angels bringing the “good news of great joy” of Jesus’s birth to the shepherds, it brought me a moment’s pause. Maybe one of the reasons God chose to first reveal this news to the shepherds was because He so often uses figurative language involving sheep and shepherds to describe His character and relationship to His people?
So let’s take a few moments this season to search for what this language of sheep and shepherds found throughout Scripture means. My hope is that reflecting on the verses below will help usher in the peace your heart and mind are looking for this as we head towards a new year. May this understanding of your Good Shepherd allow you to rest in His tender care, fierce protection, and faithful provision the next time you find fears and uncertainties prowling about your bedroom door.
Bible Passages for Reflection:
Click the reference to view each passage.
–John 10:1-30
–Psalm 23
–Psalm 95:7a
–Psalm 100:3
–Isaiah 40:11
–Isaiah 53:5-6
–Luke 12:32
–Luke 15:1-7
Heavenly Father, We thank you that you are our Good Shepherd. Help us to see you as our Provider, Protector, and Guide. May we rest our weary minds, bodies, and hearts in your gentle and caring arms tonight and always. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. In your powerful name we pray, Amen.
Photo Credit: Maddie Perzel